Prevention of Cybercrime

Thursday, 05 December 2024

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing
forms of transnational crime. The Internet
has become an integral part of our lives,
offering endless opportunities for communication
and information sharing. However, its anonymity
is also actively exploited by criminals. According
to research, more than 431 million people suffer
from cybercrimes annually.

What is cybercrime?

Cybercrimes are offenses where computer technologies are used as a tool or a target of illegal activity. According to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, computer crimes include:

  • Crimes against information security:
    • Data modification;
    • Unauthorized access to information;
    • Creation and distribution of malicious software;
    • Violation of computer system operation rules.
  • Thefts using computer technologies.
  • Creation and distribution of pornographic materials, including those involving minors.
  • Other crimes related to computer use:
    • Defamation, insults, disclosure of personal or state secrets;
    • Illegal collection of private life data;
    • Phishing, hacking, espionage, and spreading false information.

Main methods of cybercriminals:

  • Phishing – deceiving users to obtain personal data.
  • Malware – secretly collects data.
  • Hacking – gaining remote access to devices.

How to protect yourself from cybercrimes?

  1. Do not share your banking card and account details:
    • Never share card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, logins, passwords, or SMS codes, even with bank employees.
  2. Use only reliable services for online payments:
    • Verify the website address in the browser.
  3. Protect your bank cards and data:
    • Do not store card photos and details in easily accessible places.
  4. Be cautious with prepayments and transfers:
    • Verify recipient details before sending money.
  5. Use strong passwords:
    • Avoid passwords with names, birthdays, or other easily guessed data.
  6. Do not open suspicious files and links:
    • Especially those from unknown senders.
  7. Use licensed software and antivirus:
    • Regularly update them on all devices.
  8. Educate your loved ones on safety rules:
    • Especially elderly people and children, who may be more vulnerable.
  9. If you detect account hacking:
    • Immediately recover access or block the account.

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